Iloilo: The public must take earthquake drills seriously, as these exercises could be lifesaving during actual calamities, Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Cornelio Salinas said Thursday. In an interview, Salinas emphasized the importance of these drills, conducted by the Office of the Civil Defense, as a means of preparing people to react effectively in emergencies.

According to Philippines News Agency, Salinas stressed the need for the public to internalize these drills as a critical survival measure during disasters. He highlighted ongoing initiatives by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to train barangays on early warning systems for landslides, which can be triggered by earthquakes or heavy rains. These efforts are designed to enhance community preparedness and response capabilities.

Salinas also mentioned that the provincial capitol and other essential infrastructures are equipped with earthquake intensity meters to assess the magnitude or intensity of seismic events. He urged regulatory bodies to enforce the Building Code rigorously to ensure that structures are resilient to earthquakes.

In a separate discussion, Darwin Papa, head of the Disaster Response Division of the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), revealed that the city government is actively assessing its equipment, assets, and capabilities. The city has an urban search and rescue unit and is supported by various volunteer groups. They have also identified heavy industries and construction firms from which they can borrow equipment if necessary.

Papa acknowledged the city's preparedness but cautioned that a massive earthquake could necessitate a national response. He cited the example of Myanmar, where a significant seismic event caused extensive damage, underscoring the potential scale of such disasters.